How do I prevent tooth decay?
Do not let your infant take a bottle of juice or milk to bed. The sugars in juice and milk eat away at tooth enamel. If your baby needs a bottle at bedtime, switch to water. By the age of one, children should switch from a bottle to a sippy cup. Similarly, squeezable snacks contribute to acid erosion and tooth decay. If your child eats these snacks, brush her teeth more frequently.
Should my child use fluoride-free toothpaste?
You or your child should use brush teeth with fluoride-free baby toothpaste until he/she is old enough to spit. Ingestion of fluoride can cause fluoride poisoning or permanent discoloration of teeth. Also be aware that many toothpastes contain artificial sweeteners. Tom's of Maine, Trader Joe's and Burt's Bees make toothpastes that do not contain saccharin.
At what age should my child first visit the dentist?
The American Dental Association recommends a child's first visit to the dentist occur by his or her first birthday. We invite you to bring your child to tour our office, meet our staff and become more comfortable with the idea of visiting the dentist by the age of two. It is important to visit earlier rather than later to ensure that teeth are erupting on schedule, avoid potential problems and teach children that twice annual dental check ups are a regular part of healthcare. Children who are familiar with the dentist and the office do not develop fears and are more likely to maintain good oral hygiene.
Do you recommend sealants?
The Dental Center uses Ultradent sealants, which are BPA-free and last for several years under normal conditions. We recommend applying sealants to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—premolars and molars. It is difficult for toothbrush bristles to reach into the grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" decay. During dental visits, we check the condition of your sealants and reapply them when necessary.